Back Across the Nullarbor

Fraser Range

28 - 29 November 2018

Leaving Esperance just after lunch we began what we knew would be a few long days on the road. We weren't sure where we would stop but with the temperature well over 30, we figured we might as well go as far as we could. In the end Fraser Range was our choice. We had stayed there on the way west three months ago and we were happy to stay again.

This was just an overnight stop, but in a lovely spot. We were up early - we never did get used to the (approximately) 4:15am sunrises! 

Nullarbor Roadhouse

29 - 30 November 2018

We had a bit of an idea about staying at Madura Roadhouse because when we saw it on the way west we thought it looked nice. The day was again hot, and stopping at a roadhouse early to camp isn't all that appealing so we kept going. We worked out that we could get to Nullarbor before dark.

Crossing over the border into South Australia meant we lost 2 hours, but it also meant an end to the very early mornings. We kept on driving and arrived at Nullarbor Roadhouse after 7:00pm, but the sun was still up. We picked a spot in the camping area and went into the bar for a burger and drink. The meal was good and the drink welcome after such a long day.

The reason Mick had wanted to stay at Nullarbor was the Nullarbor Quail-thrush so we headed out along a dirt track in the morning. The guide book Mick uses gave instructions for driving along the fenceline so that's what we did. We found the spot - but no Quail-thrush so eventually turned around and headed back for the main road. Part way along the track a bird sat a little way in front of us - yes, it was the Nullarbor Quail-thrush. Unfortunately it flew away before Mick could get a photo. We spotted another one flying off into the bush a little further along.

A truck hits the road heading towards a spectacular sunrise.

Sun's up, time to go hunting birds.

Slender-billed Thornbill. A second new bird for the morning and a decent photo as well.

Slender-billed Thornbill

We returned to the campground, packed up and headed off towards Streaky Bay.

Streaky Bay 

30 November 2018 - 1 December 2018

Again it was a very hot day so it was more comfortable in the car than outside. We chose the caravan park at Streaky Bay that had ensuite sites and a view of the bay. It was still really hot when we arrived after 3:00pm so we were glad to be able to spend some time in the cool of the well-appointed recreation room.

The forecast was for strong winds through the night so once again we had to attach extra ropes to the awning. Rain was also forecast for the morning. With the rain clouds looming we packed quickly and managed to avoid getting wet canvas. 

There were storms around and high winds forecast for most of the state so we weren't sure what to do. We decided to drive towards Port Augusta and make up our minds along the way.

Port Augusta

1 - 2 November 2018

We drove through a couple of showers but the further east we drove, the nastier the weather became. The wind was very strong and there were some very ominous looking clouds ahead. Then we saw lightning! We stopped at Kimba for lunch in a cafe just ahead of the storm. As we were leaving there was a huge clap of thunder.

Approaching storm.

We drove on and kept checking the weather radar. It looked like the storms would impact any of our proposed overnight stops. We had hoped to go down onto the Yorke Peninsular but in the end we decided a cabin in Port Augusta would be our best option. 

We arrived mid-afternoon and checked into a near-new cabin at the caravan park where we had stayed on the way to WA. The rain and thunder continued, and the wind blew throughout the afternoon while we enjoyed air-conditioning and television. After 100 days on the road we figured we deserved this treat.

After a lazy start to the morning we set off for yet another visit to the Australian Arid  Lands Botanic Gardens. The weather was kind and there were a few birds about. From there we headed to Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills.

Not many birds about but I managed a few shots. White-browed Babbler.

White-fronted Honeyeater

Male Superb Fairywren